VNJ Articles1-131feline hyperthyroidismradiation safetyradioactive iodine
31 October 2023
Radioactive iodine as a treatment for feline hyperthyroidism Part 2 The Treatment Process
Author: Candice Drew, RVN, ISFM DipFN, DipVN(surg), DipT(EC)
Candice qualified as a veterinary nurse in Australia in 2005 and has since worked extensively in Australia and the UK. She completed the diploma of veterinary nursing (surgical) in 2009, the International Society of Feline Medicine diploma in feline nursing in 2018, and the Taronga Training Institute’s wildlife treatment and care professional veterinary training in 2022. Candice divides her time between locum clinical work, writing and volunteering. She loves older cats and has recently adopted two 17-year-old siblings, one of which has hyperthyroidism.
ABSTRACT Feline hyperthyroidism is an endocrine disorder that is common in senior cat populations.
Radioactive iodine therapy (RAIT) is becoming the treatment of choice for clients with hyperthyroid cats.
However, the decision to opt for RAIT is not necessarily easy for clients, as there are many factors requiring careful consideration. It is crucial that clients are provided with adequate information to enable them to make informed decisions about their cat’s care. This includes promoting awareness of the risks and benefits of RAIT, alleviating clients’ concerns about the isolation period and educating them about the need to minimise the risk to the household in the post-discharge period. Part 1 (p.36–40) of this two-part series focused on RAIT. It outlined the benefits and risks of the treatment, the radiation dose terminology and measurement, and radiation safety principles, including examples of their implementation at a dedicated RAIT clinic in Melbourne, Australia. Part 2 describes the process of treating cats at the abovementioned RAIT clinic, including referral and hospitalisation. It briefly outlines recommendations for post-treatment monitoring and home care and highlights the need for appropriate communication with clients at all stages of their cat’s treatment journey.
Keywords feline hyperthyroidism, radioactive iodine, I-131, radiation safety
DOI: 10.56496/MESF9329
To cite this article: Drew, C. (2023) Radioactive iodine as a treatment for feline hyperthyroidism Part 2 The Treatment Process. VNJ 38(5) pp 41-46
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